Park Opened

Dec 31, 2006 01:12:53

NEWS RELEASE VANCOUVER BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION December 30, 2006 For Immediate Release No. 101 Park Drive Reopens Today in Stanley Park The Vancouver Park Board has completed the reopening of Park Drive, restoring public and business access throughout most of Stanley Park for the new year, following the devastating wind storm of December 15th that damaged trees, trails, seawall and structures. Park Board Chair Ian Robertson said, “With the reopening of this main road around the park at 11 this morning, the emergency response phase is now over and the restoration of Stanley Park begins”. Robertson and Mayor Sam Sullivan both praised Park Board crews for the remarkable job they have done in cleaning up fallen trees and other debris under difficult conditions, within two weeks of the storm. The Park Board Chair announced the creation of a dedicated Stanley Park Restoration Team. This staff group will develop principles and process around the restoration of the park, drafting a strategy and plan for the Park Board’s consideration and approval in January. The plan will include a process for damage assessments, and options and resources required for recovery and restoration. Mayor Sullivan pledged the City’s full support for the restoration of Stanley Park. He reiterated that he is actively seeking special emergency funding from the Provincial and Federal Governments, describing the rebuilding of the park as a ‘collaborative effort’ amongst all levels of government. Residents and tourists are welcome back to Stanley Park to enjoy the many seasonal events, restaurants and features in the park. As there is still a great deal of clean up work to do, some areas will remain closed including North Lagoon Drive, all trails and the seawall between Third Beach and Lions Gate Bridge. The south bound entrance to the park off the Causeway is also closed until later next week. The public is asked to respect signage and barricades, stay out of forested areas, and expect temporary closures over the next few months as recovery work continues. Donations to help in the restoration of the park can be made to the Stanley Park Tree Fund. Details on how to donate to the new fund, plus holiday attractions, facility hours and road availability are available, with a map, on the Park Board’s web site at www.vancouverparks.ca. Contact: Joyce Courtney, Communications Manager, 604-257-8699 or 604-861-4375 www.vancouverparks.ca The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board’s mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.